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Ferry Beach 2001 cache?

It has been in the Ferry Beach State Park since 2001. Over 300 cachers have gone to visit the cache and the park in that time. Now the Manager has removed it?

I have brought friends and family out to the park since I found it because it is really nice. I'm not sure I will go back if they don't want visitors.

Something is fishy about the last cacher in there too.

It will be too bad to loose another 2001 cache. I have called the manager three times about this so far and can not make contact with him. First day was told he would be right back until I mentioned geocaching then was told he was unavailable. Second day was told h would call me back in 30 minutes. Today was told he is on vacation.

Park Rules, nothing against caching that I see!

The following rules and regulations are established by the Bureau pursuant to the provisions of the "Maine Revised Statutes Annotated," Title 12, Section 1803, subsection 6, and Section 1883.

1. The use of these areas shall be limited to the purposes for which they are being preserved and to activities determined by the Bureau to be compatible with the intended use of the facility. Activities which endanger persons or property are prohibited. The removal, molesting, injury or damage of anything natural, physical, prehistorical, or historical within these areas is strictly prohibited except as outlined in section 20 regarding hunting and trapping.

2. Feeding or touching wild animals found in the park is prohibited. For health and safety reasons, visitors are required to put away food securely and leave picnic areas and campsites clean.

3. Day-use areas will be open from 9:00 a.m. to sunset daily, unless posted otherwise due to operational constraints.

4. Use of metal detectors at historic sites is prohibited. Metal detectors are allowed in other areas only by written permit obtained at the park.

5. Intoxicating beverages are not permitted. Disorderly conduct is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, indecent acts, intoxication or coarse language.

6. Open fires are allowed only in grills or fireplaces provided by the Bureau. No fires are allowed on beaches. No fires shall be left unattended.

7. No pets are allowed on beaches or in the Sebago Lake State Park campground. Pets must be on a leash not exceeding four feet in length and must not be left unattended. Pet owners must immediately clean up any fecal deposits left by their pets. Pet owners may be assigned picnic or campsites in a less congested area of the park.

8. Wheeled vehicles including bicycles shall be parked only in places designated for that purpose, conform to posted traffic regulations, be confined to roads and trails specifically designated for their use and otherwise comply with all applicable State laws. Vehicles parked in unauthorized areas may be towed at the owners expense.

9. The discharging of wastes, including soaps and detergents, shall be prohibited except in a receptacle specifically designated for that purpose.

10. All rubbish shall be placed in containers provided by the Bureau. No rubbish shall be deposited in any type of toilet facility. At those areas where the Bureau has a carry in/carry out policy, users shall be responsible for carrying out all their refuse.

11. Soliciting is prohibited.

12. Campsite vacancies will be filled either by the State Park Campsite Reservation System or on a first come, first served basis. All campers must register in person when arriving at a State park campground.

13. The camping day is from 1:00 p.m. until 11:00 a.m. Camping shall be limited to a cumulative total of fourteen (14) nights from the last Saturday in June through the last Saturday in August.

14. Campsite occupancy will be limited to one camping party that shall be defined as: a) a family consisting of father, mother and any number of their unmarried children; b) a maximum of six (6) individuals, including children; c) one (1) R.V., trailer, camper van, or slide-in camper allowed per campsite; d) not more than two motor vehicles, including the visitor's vehicle.

15. Campsite visitors will be allowed as follows: a) After 9:00 a.m. by paying the day use fee and leaving before 8:00 p.m. Limit one visiting park campsite; the total number of people will not exceed ten, and the limit at Sebago Lake State Park be eight.

16. Quiet in camping areas is required between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

17. Trails will be opened and closed by the Bureau as warranted by environmental and safety conditions.

18. The use of chain saws and power equipment is prohibited. Generators may be used between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7 p.m. as long as they do not bother other visitors.

19. The use of floating devices, face masks or snorkels is prohibited at surf beaches. Scuba diving may be allowed by permit obtained at the park.

20. Hunting and trapping:

All hunting and trapping shall take place in accordance with the laws of the State of Maine, the laws and rules of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and local ordinances.

The possession and/or use of firearms or weapons is prohibited in all areas between May 1 and September 30, except where hunting is allowed during this period. Firearms or weapons may be transported across the Restricted Zone of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, between May 1 and September 30, provided they are securely and completely enclosed in a cover, fastened in a case, or dismantled in at least two pieces in such a manner that they cannot be fired unless the separate pieces are joined together.

Hunting is not permitted at any time at State Historic Sites or Memorials, or at any of the properties listed below: Andrews Beach State Park; that portion of Bradbury Mountain State Park west of State Route 9; Cobscook Bay State Park: Crescent Beach and Kettle Cove State Parks; Damariscotta Lake State Park; Ferry Beach State Park; Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park; Nickerson Lake State Park; Owls Head Light State Park; that portion of Quoddy Head State Park within 1,000 feet of the lighthouse; Reid State Park; Sebago Lake State Park; Shackford Head State Park; Two Lights State Park; and Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park.

Hunting is not permitted between May 1 and September 30 at any of the properties listed below: Restricted Zone of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway; Aroostook State Park; Birch Point Beach State Park; Bradbury Mountain State Park east of Route 9; Camden Hills State Park; Grafton Notch State Park; Mt. Kineo State Park; Lake St. George State Park; Lamoine State Park; Lily Bay State Park; Moose Point State Park; Mount Blue State Park; Moxie Falls State Park; Peacock Beach State Park; Peaks-Kenny State Park; Popham Beach State Park; Quoddy Head State Park, except as provided in paragraph C. immediately above; Range Pond State Park; Rangeley Lake State Park, except that portion posted as part of the Rangeley Lake Game Sanctuary; Roque Bluffs State Park; Swan Lake State Park; Warren Island State Park.

The discharging of any weapon is prohibited from or within 300 feet of any picnic area, camping area or campsite, parking area, building, shelter, boat launch site, posted trail or other developed area.

Trails which are closed to hunting will be posted to that effect at access points. On trails posted as closed to hunting, loaded weapons are not permitted on the tread way and weapons may not be discharged within 300 feet of the trail.

Work areas and areas with significant public use may be temporarily posted as closed to hunting by park management in the interest of public safety.

Baiting of wildlife for the purpose of hunting is prohibited

Trapping may take place only in accordance with the laws of the State of Maine, the laws and rules of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and local ordinances. Trapping in state parks or historic sites in organized townships requires the written permission of the Bureau.

Bureau employees or their representatives in the official conduct of their duties and in accordance with bureau policy with prior approval from the bureau are exempt from the above rules.
In addition to any criminal and civil sanctions imposed by law, the Bureau may evict any person violating these rules or other State laws or regulations.

Overview of SCORP process: led by Rex TurnerSCORP – Purpose is to look at outdoor recreation supply, demand, trends, and opportunities for your state and to craft a plan to address recreation needs. · Public input required· Final plan needs to be done by the end of the calendar year· This is the beginning of the public part of the process; there will be more public input over the summer· Why youth and seniors? Maine is a very gray state, currently 10th oldest; by 2030, recent census figures show that only Florida will be “older” than us, and not by much.· New Take-It-Outside events in past year: First time campers program, Mount Blue State Park (500 people sledding, skating, etc.), Lake St. George St. Park (80+ kids in a snowstorm)· There is a fear that many kids are not engaged in the outdoors. Results of a generation less connected to nature are troublesome (one analysis of 2,000 people: there is a link between experiences with the outdoors at age 11 or under and adult environmental decisions).· Based on Outdoor Industry Foundation research, as a whole, the population is recreating more than the previous year or two, but youth participation did not increase, and girls were even less active outdoors than boys over the same period.

Exercise 1— Youth: brainstorming session led by David GreenHow can we get more kids to make being in the outdoors an essential part of their life?Procedure:

Paired interviews

Group reporting

Suggested best practices

Results: “Best Practices” for getting youth involved in the outdoorsHighest ranked practices (in rank order):· Outdoor engagement needs to be locally accessible: thoughtful planning is necessary (green growth, smart growth). Plus, accessible trails / facilities / natural areas are needed.· Consistent positive messages about the outdoors are needed; Reduce negative messaging around dangers: more communication of benefits · Important to connect kids with the outdoors in an unstructured way.· Combine technology with outdoors (geocaching example); attracts youthNext highest ranked practices (all similarly ranked):· Parents need to get kids involved· In schools there are different “tracks”; the “college” track and the “outdoor” track … combine technical / physical / intellectual · Get kids to summer camps· Don’t just target children: target the “informal support network”—family, friends and neighbors· Parents need to be role models to model behaviorOther suggested practices/issues:· Separate activities for girls· Different approaches work for different ages· Need to feel safe· Balance structured with unstructured activities (planning can enable safe, unstructured play in the outdoors).

Recommendations to make these things happen in the community:· Schools: promote structured and unstructured time outdoors· High school outing clubs can serve as a vehicle to connect kids with the outdoors· Locally accessible trails/facilities/natural areas are vital for youth participation in the outdoors.

Exercise 2 — Older demographic groups: brainstorming session led by David GreenGallery writing (response) exploring the following questions: 1) What facilities are going to best serve older residents and tourists?Highest ranked practices (in rank order):· Degree of difficulty mixed and identified (top-ranked response)· “Wayfinding” signage· Parking easy to maneuver· Inexpensive or free· Bathrooms cleanOther suggested practices/issues:· Low Impact· Large lettering· Easily accessible/safe· Easy access/knowledge of the “Maine Recreational Icons”· Well-lighted· Seniors would like to be able to use the local schools for activities like walking· Not congested

4) Are there demographic groups besides youth and elders that demand focus? If so…who are they? How can we best provide for their recreational needs?Highest ranked responses (in rank order)· Teens are a separate group from younger children and require separate focus—important to provide safe unstructured outdoor opportunities that they can do with friends (peers; high school outing clubs) (tied for top-ranked response)· Parents (often financially responsible for kids and elders) shouldn’t be overlooked. (tied for top-ranked response)· Extreme activities for those in late teens-30ish· Working adults (middle ages)—work with employers to publicize outdoor opportunities· Disabled persons

Conclusion: Discussion and selection of previously discussed items to flag for potential focus in SCORP plan:Guiding question: What can the state of Maine do to effectively plan/provide outdoor recreation opportunities that appeal to different generations and that facilitate lifelong outdoor recreation?The following concepts were identified, based on the previous exercises and discussions:· Funds for grass root local/home grown projects (based on significant trends).· Green policies… promote recreational planning based on smart/green concepts.· Remove policy barriers· Universal Design… People of all capacities can make use of program (disabilities, age, etc.)· Integrate recreation planning and recreation offerings/awareness through communityentities such as schools, workplaces, community centers, senior centers, etc. Consider coordination with: o Workplace wellness policies and programso outdoor experiences through schoolso environmental education programming· Focus on effective communications to promote awareness for existing recreation opportunities and their associated benefits to users. Additionally, consider ways to help people get started in recreational activities.· New trail buildingo Help communities build and connect trailso Accessible bathroomso Continue Land for Maine’s Future program o Continue to seek conservation easements on private land o Incentives for developers to build trails· “Community Stewardship” – using stewardship activities such as community clean-up days or days of service to connect people with their community resources.

This is an interesting development, at best. Actually sounds like the Park Manager has the cache in hand - for some reason.

I hope the CO/adoptive owner can meet with the PM and find out more. As we head into our tourist season, this is not a good time for this to disabled.

There are many State Parks which do have caches, which don't seem to be of issue. Some leg work and discussion certainly needs to be done at Ferry Beach (a park I have not visited and was looking forward to in order to do this cache). Now it will be on my watch list.

Interesting indeed.

Kudos, Ed. Some rather great research and done in quick time! In that the manager is apparently choosing to not interact with Mike, perhaps it's at a point to go above him. Armed with Ed's contribution here and the fact that the State of Maine does support geocaching, seems the favor is on our side here.

That said, managers may have the ability to make local decisions that impact the park as well.

Everyone has the right to be an idiot at times. Just don't abuse the privilege.

Parks

The allowance of Geocaches in state parks is fully up to the managers of each individual park. I worked at Colonial Pemaquid / Ft William Henry for 4 summers as a laborer and this is currently my dad's 15th year there as a ranger. I placed a cache there and it was been heavily visited as its one of the smallest state parks there is. The cache has been through three managers and as each new one comes in, my dad goes through, shows them the cache, where its located and explains everything. Its not in a place where it effects the history in any way nor causes a geotrail or anything so they've all approved of it. As long as you get permission first, I don't forsee any manager putting up a huge stink. Besides, those parks with gates that charge admission are only going to benefit from it.

On a side note, my cache actually fits into a loophole as its located in a stone wall surrounding a cemetary that the state doesnt actually own. They maintain the headstones and mow it but because they dont actually own the grounds just where the cemetary is, they couldnt say no.

There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and ‘mental illness'. ---Dave Barry

This thread clearly points out the need for continuing education and the need of recommitment annually with groups, organizations, state parks and others. A CO should not probably be complacent with old agreements or arrangements as staff and management change. Also, I was not aware, until pointed out to me - there were instructions on the cache page for folks to circumvent paying the park fee to access the park.

MOU raises some very valid points. Perhaps the real sticky piece to this one is parking outside and going in - without talking to the PM no one will know. I am hopeful the CO will make contact with the PM soon and resolve any issues.

Thank you to all the Southern Maine contingent who may work to restore this 2001 cache.

Just edited my comment to appease the Northern Maine contingent who see fit to complain to others who then contact me. If anyone has anything to say to me of importance, say it to me. And mind you, the only reason I did edit this is because I respect the individual who contacted me. If no one here can appreciate sarcastic, scathing humor and they actually believe that a one sentence comment on this site is going to get Geocaching banned from all State Parks, then go kick rocks. I love this sport, but when it goes the route of Politically Correct, lovey dovey whining , on a site which is all about Geocaching discussion, OPEN Geocaching discussion, then I want nothing to do with you all.

Good evening.

Last edited by CARoperPhotography; 06-29-2010 at 09:10 PM.
Reason: To avoid insulting an ignoramus.